The WorldGBC agreed to connect its network of national green-building councils to IFC’s investment and advisory program. The WorldGBC’s local affiliate councils will certify green buildings through IFC’s EDGE, a new Web application revealing solutions for reducing energy, water, and material consumption by 20 percent early in the design stage.

The partnership will focus on rapidly urbanizing countries with surging population growth that need to build sustainably to avoid emissions growth, bolster energy security, and minimize resource depletion.